African Satinwood Plant Care

African Satinwood (Distemonanthus benthamianus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Distemonanthus genus. African Satinwood is also known as Movingui, Distemonanthus benthamianus.

African Satinwood displays a tall upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African Satinwood produces small clusters of yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Satinwood every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Satinwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Distemonanthus benthamianus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African Satinwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African Satinwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Satinwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Satinwood is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Satinwood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune African Satinwood while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

African Satinwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Satinwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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African Satinwood is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African Satinwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow African Satinwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.